ATWOS has learned the destination of the soon to be retired US Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw (WAGB-83). Built in 1944 the Mackinaw will make her home on Mackinac Island as a tourist attraction. Scheduled to end her Coast Guard service late in 2005, the Mackinaw will open for business in 2006.

Once on Mackinac Island the Mackinaw will serve a variety of purposes. For one it will serve as down scale lodging for the summer Fudgie tourist crowd. Known for it’s upscale resorts such as the Grand Hotel and Mission Point Island tourism promoters want to offer the more down to earth experience of bunking just like a common seaman on the 50+ year old Cutter. It is felt that this will attract more “salt of the earth” types to Mackinac Island to experience it’s unique blend of horse and fudge.

Michigan’s Governor and staff will also make use of the Mackinaw. While the Governor is in residence in the summer staff members will bunk on the ship. Also, it will be used for team building exercises for government employees. According to the Governor, meetings held on board the Cutter will, “prove a unique environment for us to plan Michigan’s future while in a heritage environment.”

The cutter will be permanently anchored in Mackinac Island’s harbor. As part of a new initiative the Mackinac Island State Park Commission will buy equipment from factory’s that are closing for use as weight in mooring the cutter.

The Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau is excited about the Mackinaw coming to Mackinac. A spokesman said, “Only a fool would pass up the opportunity” to stay aboard the Mackinac. He also warned, “a fool and their fudge are soon parted.”

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